Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
| Peaks |
Puzzle Mountain (attempt), ME |
|
| Trails: |
Grafton Loop Trail |
|
| Date of Hike: |
Saturday, January 5, 2019 |
|
| Parking/Access Road Notes: |
Parking lot was well plowed and plenty of parking. |
|
| Surface Conditions: |
Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular |
|
| Recommended Equipment: |
Snowshoes, Light Traction |
|
| Water Crossing Notes: |
N/A |
|
| Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Trail for first 1 1/2 miles was cut by a couple of people on snowshoes. The rest was covered in snow, crusty snow with layer of about 1" of loose powder. Ice below the snow on boulders. |
|
| Dog-Related Notes: |
Saw 2 dogs on trail and they were loving it. |
|
| Bugs: |
|
|
| Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
| Comments: |
Grafton Loop Trail to SW Summit
Steep hike with more snow than I anticipated. The last 1 1/2 miles had not seen hikers since the last snow so trail was covered. Used Micro Spikes the entire way but last 1/2 mile would be better served with snowshoes. I rarely use poles but really glad I had them on the uncut trails. Staying on trail had you walking on top of crusty snow with light powder and no posthole. The last .1 mile when you are hitting the summit and the boulders, the snow was not as deep on them and there was a layer of ice underneath, we decided to turn around at that point (we did try to go around and loop above the boulders where not as steep of grade but snow there was deep and the crust layer did not hold us). Passed 9 people on the way down at noon near the ledges but no one after that general area. As temps warmed the snow did become soft but did not create any issues with micro spikes and snowballs. Got a really good workout. |
|
| Name: |
Jeni |
|
| E-Mail: |
|
|
| Date Submitted: |
2019-01-05 |
|
| Link: |
https:// |
|
|
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
|